Rafael Nadal Officially Announces his Retirement from Tennis

Rafa Nadal has officially announced his retirement from professional tennis, marking the end of an illustrious yet injury-stricken career.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion revealed on Thursday that he will step away from the sport following the Davis Cup Finals next month, setting the stage for an emotional farewell.

Nadal, who holds a record 14 French Open titles, had previously hinted at retiring this year after a hip injury required surgery, limiting his participation throughout 2023.

The Spanish tennis legend has been named alongside rising star Carlos Alcaraz in Spain’s squad for the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, where he hopes to conclude his career with a fifth Davis Cup title.

“I believe this is the right moment to close a chapter that has been long and far more successful than I could have ever imagined,”

Nadal said in his announcement. “But I’m thrilled that my last tournament will be the Davis Cup final, representing my country.”

Reflecting on his career, Nadal added, “I feel like I’ve come full circle.” He first won the Davis Cup in 2004 as a teenager, and now, 20 years later, he’s preparing for one final appearance in the tournament that helped launch his legendary career.